
Souda Beach Plakias
A serene pebbly beach with rare Cretan date palms, offering calm, clear waters perfect for relaxation and snorkeling.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful vibes, refreshing water

Souda Beach Plakias
Best Time
Peaceful vibes, refreshing water

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene pebbly beach with rare Cretan date palms, offering calm, clear waters perfect for relaxation and snorkeling.
"A very charming spot with a nice sense of peace, harmony, and tranquility."

🚾 Toilet Tip
Limited official toilets; use facilities at nearby tavernas. :toilet:
☀️ Sunbed Rental
Sets cost around 7-9€, offering comfort on the pebbly shore. :euro:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Waters
Souda Beach
Dive into incredibly clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling among vibrant marine life.

Cretan Date Palms
Souda Beach
Relax under the shade of rare Cretan date palms, a unique natural backdrop to this serene beach.

Seafood Tavernas
Western end of Souda Beach
Savor fresh seafood and Greek specialties at charming tavernas offering shade and local flavors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Navigating Souda Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚾 Toilet Tip
Limited official toilets; use facilities at nearby tavernas. :toilet:
☀️ Sunbed Rental
Sets cost around 7-9€, offering comfort on the pebbly shore. :euro:
🐠 Snorkeling Paradise
Explore rocky formations and abundant sea life in the clear waters. :fish:
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk
Enjoy a beautiful 5-minute walk from Plakias village. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚾 Toilet Tip
Limited official toilets; use facilities at nearby tavernas. :toilet:
☀️ Sunbed Rental
Sets cost around 7-9€, offering comfort on the pebbly shore. :euro:
🐠 Snorkeling Paradise
Explore rocky formations and abundant sea life in the clear waters. :fish:
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk
Enjoy a beautiful 5-minute walk from Plakias village. :walking:
💨 Windy but Calm
Often windy, but the water remains calm, perfect for relaxation. :wind_face:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Souda Beach is a charming and tranquil spot praised for its clear, calm waters and unique palm-backed scenery. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, convenient parking, and good snorkeling opportunities. However, the limited official toilet facilities and the unofficial nudist section at one end are noted drawbacks.
"A very charming spot. The beach has a unique atmosphere, with a nice sense of peace, harmony, and tranquility. It’s a small pebbly beach with fine gravel and tiny stones. Although it can be a bit windy, the water is calm, with no big waves, making it a relaxing place to spend time.
Parking is conveniently located right next to the beach. There are only basic toilet facilities, but you can also use the restroom at a nearby café.
Overall, a lovely place, especially in the afternoons when it feels even more peaceful."
Mateusz Dwornikowski
"One of the prettiest and cleanest beaches in the south of Rethymno. Crystal clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere make it perfect for relaxing, especially on windy days when other beaches can be rough."
Noula Tsontou
"The beach is well organized with minor exception - lack of toilets. The only toilets available are those in a few cafes on the western end of the beach. The southern end of the beach is reserved for nudists, although not officially. Going from there to the western end of the beach there are few sunbeds/umbrellas blocks. We went to the one with bamboo-style umbrellas and beige sunbeds, a set costs 9€. The water was a bit cold but at the end of July the temperature rose to 38 degrees and that water felt so refreshing. It was crystal clear, going deep fairly quickly, but it was ideal for snorkeling among the rocky formations. The water was full of sea world, the best I've seen so far on Crete."
Goran Micic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Souda Beach is located about 30 kilometers south of Rethymno. You can drive there, with parking conveniently available near the beach. Alternatively, it's a pleasant 5-minute drive or a leisurely walk from the nearby village of Plakias.
While specific public transport routes directly to Souda Beach might be limited, buses frequently run to Plakias from Rethymno. From Plakias, the beach is a short walk or taxi ride away.
You can reach Souda Beach from Plakias by a short 5-minute car ride or a beautiful, slow walk along the coast.
Yes, parking is conveniently located right next to the beach, making it easy to access.
Absolutely! It's a lovely, slow walk along the coast from Plakias village, taking about five minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to access Souda Beach itself. You only pay for optional sunbed and umbrella rentals.
Souda Beach is a natural beach and is accessible at all times. However, amenities like tavernas and sunbed rentals operate during daylight hours.
It's generally not necessary to book sunbeds in advance, especially during weekdays or outside peak season. You can usually rent them upon arrival.
While the beach is open to all, one end is unofficially used by nudists, which might be a consideration for some visitors.
Sunbed and umbrella sets typically cost around 7-9 euros, depending on the specific block you choose.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Souda Beach is a small, pebbly beach with fine gravel and tiny stones. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere and clear, calm waters, making it ideal for relaxation.
Official toilet facilities are basic and limited. Your best bet is to use the restrooms available at the nearby cafes and tavernas on the western end of the beach.
The calm waters are great for kids, but be aware that one end of the beach is unofficially used for nudism, which may be uncomfortable for some families.
Yes, the crystal-clear water and rocky formations make it excellent for snorkeling, with a rich variety of marine life to discover.
Souda Beach generally offers a sense of peace and tranquility, especially in the afternoons. While popular, it's less crowded than some other Cretan beaches.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several charming seafood tavernas located on the western end of Souda Beach, offering fresh fish and Greek specialties in a shaded setting.
The tavernas specialize in fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. They provide a lovely dining experience with views of the sea.
Many of the beach bars and tavernas offer drinks, snacks, and light meals, often available for purchase when you rent sunbeds.
While there are tavernas, you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the beach, especially if you find a spot away from the organized sunbed areas.
Most Greek tavernas offer a variety of vegetarian mezes and main courses, such as Greek salad, tzatziki, and vegetable dishes. It's always a good idea to ask about their vegetarian options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene beauty of the clear turquoise waters, the unique Cretan date palms, and the dramatic cliff backdrop. The sunsets can also be spectacular.
Absolutely! The combination of the natural landscape, the calm sea, and the distinctive palm trees makes Souda Beach a very photogenic location.
The golden hours, early morning and late afternoon, offer beautiful soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers vibrant colors.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and be mindful of other beachgoers' privacy before flying a drone.
The entire stretch of the beach offers lovely views. Walking towards the western end near the tavernas provides a good vantage point with amenities in the frame.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing water shoes for the pebbly shore and exploring the shallow areas for small marine life. The shade from the tamarisk trees and rented umbrellas can offer a good respite from the sun.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
The easy access and parking make it hassle-free to visit. It's a place where you can truly unwind, read a book, or simply soak in the natural beauty without the usual beach crowds.
🐠 Snorkelers & Nature Lovers
Beyond the underwater world, the unique grove of Cretan date palms provides a distinctive natural landscape. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers to appreciate both the terrestrial and aquatic beauty of the region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of Souda Beach
The beach is backed by a grove of rare Cretan date palms, adding a unique visual element and providing natural shade. This distinctive flora, combined with the clear, inviting waters of the Libyan Sea, creates a picturesque setting that has captivated visitors for years.
While the beach is well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, it maintains a laid-back vibe. The nearby tavernas offer a taste of local Cretan cuisine, enhancing the overall experience without detracting from the beach's peaceful ambiance.
Navigating Amenities and Etiquette
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, typically costing around 7-9 euros per set. These provide comfort on the pebbly shore. However, a point of consideration for some visitors is that the southern end of the beach is unofficially designated for nudists. While not officially marked, this can be a surprise for families expecting a conventional beach experience.
Despite this, the beach is generally considered very clean and well-maintained. The water, though sometimes a bit cool, is crystal clear and deepens relatively quickly, making it excellent for snorkeling among the rocky formations teeming with marine life.
Souda Beach: A Snorkeler's Delight
The rocky formations along the seabed are a haven for diverse sea life. Visitors have reported encountering a rich variety of fish and other underwater creatures, with some describing it as the best snorkeling they've experienced on Crete. This makes the beach not just a place for sunbathing but also for active exploration beneath the waves.
Even if you're not an avid snorkeler, the calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and floating. The gentle slope into the sea makes it accessible for most, and the refreshing temperature, especially during warmer months, is a welcome respite.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit